I just recently switched from boxed positions to 3 note per string shapes for the scales I know. I really like using them because of how fast you can play them, but I'm kind of stuck in a rut when improvising with these shapes. Does anyone have any interesting licks when it comes to 3 note per string scales, preferably run patterns? Thanks.

Meh, go right to four notes per string. Then you'll be cruisin up and down the fretboard as well as across. There are those who advocate this approach...though I'm not much on the whole scalar mindset.

I just recently switched from boxed positions to 3 note per string shapes for the scales I know. I really like using them because of how fast you can play them, but I'm kind of stuck in a rut when improvising with these shapes. Does anyone have any interesting licks when it comes to 3 note per string scales, preferably run patterns? Thanks.

I can only think of a couple of answers.

1. The scales repeat through the fretboard, learn the fretboard.

2. Most "box" positions include 3 notes per string parts.

3. You're just talking about ways to get from one note to the next

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I try to combine shapes in diagonals so I'm working vertical, horizontal, and across different shapes. This helps connecting shapes, understanding where root notes are, etc. Look at the standard major scale shapes. Most strings have 3 notes but the ones with 2 you can extend into the next shape (or previous) and make it 3 notes. Working them out for myself helped me learn how to connect them better and understand how to play across them easier.

As for runs, just play some sort of pattern like play 4-5 notes up the scale, then go back 3 and back up 4, etc. By messing with it you'll find patterns and ideas you like.

I just recently switched from boxed positions to 3 note per string shapes for the scales I know. I really like using them because of how fast you can play them, but I'm kind of stuck in a rut when improvising with these shapes. Does anyone have any interesting licks when it comes to 3 note per string scales, preferably run patterns? Thanks.

Your problem is you aren't thinking like a musician. Until you do, you're faking it. Playing fast isn't the same as creating music. You're going to burn out.

When you play fast next time without thinking or listening I want you to think the following words as you do so:

Here's the thing though, and the point Sean is trying to get across to the TS.

It's not "a 3 note per string idea".

It's "a melodic idea that uses a 3 note per string pattern for ease of execution". That may seem a subtle, even pedantic difference but it means everything. Musicians have ideas, they use techniques to make those ideas musical reality. What you don't do is throw a load of tecnhiques at your fretboard and hope something good comes out.

Guitar isn't purely a physical pursuit, it's primarly mental - if you open your mouth without thinking and just start making random noises sobody's going to know what you're on about and the same goes for playing a musical instrument....you have to have at least some idea of what it is you're trying to convey. Until you start treating the guitar as a musical instrument and taking responsibility for your own creativity and the musical end product you'll never be much of a guitarist.